Abstract: The present invention describes, among other things, the surprising discovery that gaseous precursor filled compositions are profoundly more effective as acoustically active contrast agents when they are thermally preactivated to temperatures at or above the boiling point of the instilled gaseous precursor prior to their in vivo administration to a patient. Further optimization of contrast enhancement is achieved by administering the gaseous precursor filled compositions to a patient as an infusion. Enhanced effectiveness is also achieved for ultrasound mediated targeting and drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: A controlled release composition for a biologically active material, which composition is liquid or liquid crystalline and comprises at least one medium or long-chain fatty acid ester of diglycerol as a carrier for said biologically active material, said biologically active material being dissolved or dispersed in said carrier. Said composition is especially useful as a medical composition.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation, prepared solutions, and the use of radium-223 for the treatment of calcified tumors, bone tumors, treatment of bones, bone surfaces and soft tissues is described.

Abstract: Improved therapeutic sclerosing microfoams and methods and devices for making them are provided that have advantage in producing a consistent profile injectable foam with minimal input by the physician yet using high volume percentages of blood dispersible gases, thus avoiding use of potentially hazardous amounts of nitrogen.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for oral administration in solid dry form of greasy/oily/sticky substance(s) and pharmaceutically active substance(s) or pharmaceutically active substance(s) which itself/themselves is/are greasy/oily/sticky) characterized by having a plurality of solid, polymeric matrix beads comprising considerable amounts of greasy/oily/sticky substances and having fast release characteristics and a process for the preparation of such solid, polymeric matrix beads comprising greasy/oily/sticky substances.

Abstract: A meat-free, algae-free, standardized, test meal kit used in the measurement of delayed gastric emptying is provided. The kit contains at least a standardized test meal dry mix and tracer. A method of using the kit is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture for use as wound dressing, which comprises: a) paraffins complying with DAB and/or synthetic waxes selected from the group consisting of montan waxes, petroleum waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes, polyolefin waxes, petrolatum, wax alcohols, and oxidates of the aforementioned substances; b) at least one metal hydroxide. The mixture is stable on prolonged storage at room temperature and promotes collagen regeneration in vivo in cases of bone trauma.

Abstract: Iodinated neuroprobes for mapping monoamine reuptake sites in the brain, and particularly iodinated neuroprobes that can also serve as radiotracers for use in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging of such reuptake sites, are disclosed. Precursors of radiolabeled iodinated neuroprobes, both with and without a radiotracer atom, and kits for preparing the radiolabeled iodinated neuroprobes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: W/O or O/W stable dispersions are formed by mixing an oily phase and an aqueous phase when the dispersion is stabilized with cubic gel particles formed by the combination of two amphiphilic compounds, one of the amphiphilic compounds being capable of forming a lamellar phase in the presence of water, and the other being capable of forming an inverse hexagonal phase in the presence of water.

Abstract: A nonradioactive glass in particulate form adapted for radiation therapy in a mammal comprise a biodegradable rare earth-lithium borate glass material of a specified composition which, upon being subjected to an effective amount of neutron irradiation, will produce a beta or gamma emitting radioisotope, the radioisotope being distributed throughout the glass material, the glass upon being introduced into a body fluid for radiation therapy being adapted to react therewith causing the radioisotope to form an insoluble compound on the surface of the glass material which is retained in the glass material and thereby prevented from escaping from the treatment site. Radioactive glasses and methods for carrying out radiation therapy with such radioactive glasses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral adminstration comprising a film-coated solid dosage form including 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-1H-indole-5-methanesulphonamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof as active ingredient. The film-coated solid dosage forms are of use in the treatment of conditions associated with cephalic pain, in particular migraine.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of theobromine and/or its salts and/or its complexes optionally in admixture with other known active ingredients and inert solid or liquid carriers, additives and auxiliary agents for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition suitable for relieving cough syndrome. Further subject of the invention is a method of treatment of a human or animal subject being in condition where relieving of cough is desirable which comprise steps of administering in an effective amount theobromine and/or salts and/or its complexes optionally in admixture with other known active ingredients and suitable inert, solid or liquid carriers, additives and auxiliary agents.

Abstract: A skin cream composition containing allantoin and an emulsifier has improved stability coming from the adjustment of the pH to a range of 4.5 to 5.8. The lower pH preserves the stability of the allantoin and the functionality of the emulsifier system is maintained. The emulsifier system can be a nonionic emulsifier or an anionic emulsifier plus beeswax. The acid used to adjust the pH can be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. The composition can further comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, chelating agents, preservatives, emollients, solvents, and fragrance.

Abstract: Topically applicable pharmaceutical/dermatological/cosmetic compositions well suited for the therapeutic treatment or care of sensitive human skin, hair, mucous membranes, nails and/or the scalp, in particular for reducing or avoiding the skin-irritant side effects of a variety of bioactive agents, for example the &agr;-hydroxy and &bgr;-hydroxy acids, comprise a therapeutically/cosmetically effective amount of at least one bradykinin antagonist.

Abstract: A nonradioactive glass in particulate form adapted for radiation therapy in a mammal comprise a biodegradable rare earth-lithium borate glass material of a specified composition which, upon being subjected to an effective amount of neutron irradiation, will produce a beta or gamma emitting radioisotope, the radioisotope being distributed throughout the glass material, the glass upon being introduced into a body fluid for radiation therapy being adapted to react therewith causing the radioisotope to form an insoluble compound on the surface of the glass material which is retained in the glass material and thereby prevented from escaping from the treatment site. Radioactive glasses and methods for carrying out radiation therapy with such radioactive glasses are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral composition and method for providing nutrition to metabolically stressed patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition has an increased caloric density of approximately 1.4 to 1.8 kcal/mL. The enteral composition includes a peptide based protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source.

Abstract: A delivery system that releases a diagnostic marker or therapeutic agent in a manner sensitive to the concentration of urease in a physiological compartment, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, and methods of use.